Dr. Felicia Barber serves as the Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Westfield State University in Westfield, MA, where she conducts the University Chorus, Chamber Chorale and teaches courses in conducting and choral methods.   Dr. Barber's research interests include choral teaching strategies, repertoire selection, diversity initiatives, as well as the performance practice of African American Spirituals.  Her research has led to presentations across the United States and Canada.    

 

Dr. Barber presents professional development to choral music educators in Massachusetts & and throughout the northeast. She also has presented at regional and state conferences, as well as at the Phenomenon of Singing, an International Conference held in Newfoundland, Canada.  With additional presentations at the National ACDA Conference, Eastern Division ACDA Conference, Massachusetts Summer ACDA Conference, Connecticut ACDA Conference, Massachusetts Music Educators Conference, Florida Music Educators Conference, and the Westfield University Summer Institute for Music Educators.  Dr. Barber is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA); serving on the National Diversity Committee, on the Eastern Division 2020 Conference committee, and is the current President of the Massachusetts ACDA board.

 

Dr. Barber often serves as a guest clinician for both high school and community ensembles.  She has served as guest conductor for the Massachusetts Western and Eastern District High School and Jr. High Honor Choirs, NCCC Honor Choir in Connecticut, and Equity & Justice Program with Kansas City Community ensembles in Missouri.  She serves as a guest conductor for several All-State ensembles including upcoming festivals in Louisiana and California; and previously in Vermont and Oklahoma.

 

Dr. Barber has served as Choral Lecturer for the summer master’s program at Gordon College for the past 4 years.  Teaching choruses in Choral Conducting and Choral Music Education. The program offers an MME degree for current music education practitioners and has students from across New England.

 

She is also excited to announce the release of her upcoming books:  A New Perspective for the Use of Dialect in African American Spirituals:  History, Context, and Linguistics. (New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2021); and Practical Companion Guide on AAE Dialect for Singers.  (Companion Text: A New Perspective for the Use of Dialect in African American Spirituals: History, Context, and Linguistics. (New York: Amazon, 2021). Both were released in 2021.

 

Dr. Barber holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Oral Roberts University, an M.M. in Music Education from Mansfield University, and a Ph.D. in Choral Music Education and Choral Conducting from The Florida State University.